Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
Introduction
I’m always on the hunt for new ways to make breakfast a little more special. From classic pancakes to stuffed omelets, I’ve served plenty of morning treats around here, especially for my husband and two kiddos. But there’s something extra fun about taking a reliable bagel and turning it into a sweet, golden piece of happiness. That’s why I’m thrilled to introduce you to this wonderful french toast bagel. It’s a marriage of two breakfast icons—crunchy-yet-chewy bagels and deliciously soaked French toast. You wind up with a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with maple syrup, fresh berries, or even a side of crispy bacon.
These French toast bagels have become a weekend favorite in my kitchen. I love the way the cinnamon fragrance wafts through the air, drawing everyone out of their beds with big smiles and hungry tummies. Let’s chat about what makes these beauties so special, and then we’ll get to cooking!
What Is a French Toast Bagel?
Before I go any further, let’s talk about the basics. A french toast bagel is simply a bagel that has been soaked in a sweet custard mixture—similar to how you’d prepare standard French toast—and then cooked to a lovely, golden brown. The result is a fluffy, warm, and lightly sweet twist on your typical morning bagel. Some folks even top their bagels with a touch of cinnamon sugar before cooking for that extra warm bite. It’s a treat that’s well-suited for those lazy Saturday mornings when you need something that’s a little bit fancy but not too complicated.
Bagels have been a beloved breakfast staple for centuries, originating in Jewish communities in Poland before making their way to the U.S. If you’re curious about their fascinating history, you can check out this article from Smithsonian Magazine to see how they became the chewy, iconic bread we know today.
And guess what? If you want more goodies in the same spirit, feel free to peek at our other comfort-filled breakfast ideas like Croissant Toast Breakfast Recipe or Hawaiian Roll French Toast—they’re perfect for anyone who’s in love with bread-based breakfasts.
My Love Affair with French Toast Bagels
I first made French toast bagels by pure accident. One morning, I had a surplus of bagels leftover from the week (some plain, some cinnamon-raisin) and, at the same time, I was running low on bread for French toast. So I figured: “Bagels are just round bread with a hole, right?” I dunked them into my usual custard mixture, tossed them into a sizzling pan, and that was the moment my entire family realized we’d found a new weekend favorite.
I remember my husband stepping into the kitchen, nose in the air, saying, “That smells amazing—what’s cooking?” He was used to my standard slices of challah or sourdough turned into French toast. But there was something particularly comforting about the flavor and texture of these bagels. The slightly chewy exterior of the bagel soaks in that sweet eggy mixture just enough, and when you top it with more cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup, you’ve got yourself a plate of morning happiness.
It reminded me of the time I tried my hand at Sourdough French Toast: A Cozy Brunch Tradition. There’s just something about combining a hearty bread (or bagel, in this case) with a sweet custard that gets everyone excited to gather around the table.
Ingredients for the Best French Toast Bagel
To create the perfect batch of bagel-based French toast, I like to keep things straightforward. This recipe focuses on using what many of us already have in our fridges and pantries. I’m a firm believer that breakfast should be delicious but easy enough to put together while still slightly bleary-eyed in the morning!
Here’s the rundown of what you’ll need:
- Bagels (4-6 bagels): Plain, cinnamon-raisin, or your favorite type. A day or two old bagels actually soak up the custard mixture even better.
- Eggs (4 large): These bind everything together and create that familiar French toast texture.
- Milk (1 cup): You can use 2%, whole milk, or even a non-dairy substitute like almond milk or oat milk.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a lovely aroma and sweet flavor.
- Sugar (2 tablespoons): Balances the custard mixture. You can also replace it with brown sugar for a richer taste.
- Pinch of Salt: A tiny dash of salt helps bring out all the sweet notes.
- Butter (for the pan): A generous pat of butter to keep your bagels from sticking to the cooking surface and to add flavor.
Optional Extras:
- A sprinkle of nutmeg.
- A splash of heavy cream if you’d like a richer custard.
- Cinnamon-sugar for dusting the bagels just before cooking.
(Note: If you enjoy transforming your bread in creative ways, you might also get a kick out of Mini Pancakes and the mouthwatering Blueberry Brunch for more sweet breakfast ideas!)
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Now that we’ve got our pantry and fridge raided, let’s get down to business. Nothing makes me happier in the morning than a straightforward recipe with minimal fuss.
Preparing the Custard Mixture
- Crack the eggs into a medium-sized bowl.
- Whisk in the milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. If you feel adventurous, this is the time to add any extra sprinkles of nutmeg or brown sugar.
- Stir everything until it’s smooth and well-blended. You don’t want big lumps of cinnamon, so keep whisking until the mixture looks uniform.
(Tip: If you love the taste of cinnamon, feel free to add a little more. Sometimes I add an extra half teaspoon just for that cozy morning smell.)
Soaking the Bagels
- Slice each bagel in half. If you have bagels that are already pre-sliced, you’re all set. Just separate the halves.
- Dip each bagel half into the custard mixture. Let them sit there for about 10–15 seconds on each side. I wouldn’t recommend soaking them too long, especially if they’re fresh bagels, because they might get soggy. If your bagels are super fresh and fluffy, a brief soak is all you need.
(Note: If your bagels are a couple of days old, you can let them soak a tiny bit longer, up to 20 seconds each side, for a more custardy taste.)
Cooking the Custard-Soaked Bagels
- Preheat a griddle or a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small pat of butter.
- Place the soaked bagel halves on the pan. Let them cook on one side for about 2–3 minutes or until you see a beautiful golden color forming.
- Flip and cook the other side for another 2–3 minutes, or until it’s just as golden.
- Remove the bagels from the heat and set them on a warm plate or baking sheet while you work on the rest of the batch.
That’s it! Your kitchen should smell absolutely wonderful by now. My kids often come dashing in when they catch a whiff of that cinnamon-vanilla perfume wafting through the house. I can’t blame them.
Flavor Variations and Toppings
One of the greatest perks of making French toast bagels is how many different ways you can top or flavor them. I’ve tried everything from sweet to savory, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Sweet Toppings
- Cinnamon Sugar: If you want to give your French toast bagels an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar blend (1 tablespoon sugar + 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon) on them during the final minute of cooking.
- Maple Syrup: A must-have for classic French toast. Warm it up slightly before pouring if you want an extra cozy bite.
- Fresh Fruit: Sliced strawberries, bananas, or blueberries add brightness. It’s also a neat way to slip in some healthy goodness for the kiddos.
- Whipped Cream: Plop a dollop on top for an extra decadent treat.
- Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: Spread on the bagels after cooking, or drizzle a bit on top along with sliced bananas.
(Tip: I recently discovered that a smidge of peanut butter sprinkled with chopped peanuts and a drizzle of honey also hits the spot. We call it the “Elvis twist” in our house!)
Savory Twists
Maybe you’re not in the mood for something super sweet first thing in the morning. I get it! Here are some ways to make your bagel French toast more on the savory side:
- Cheese Melt: Top your cooked French toast bagels with grated cheddar or mozzarella, then broil for a minute or so. It’ll turn into a gooey, cheesy delight.
- Avocado and Bacon: Mash up some avocado, spread it on the bagel, add crispy bacon, and maybe a pinch of pepper flakes.
- Egg and Sausage: Cook a sausage patty or crumble sausage, scramble an egg, and pile it onto your bagel French toast. Perfect for those heartier appetites.
You might wonder if a bread-based meal can turn into a savory breakfast superstar. The answer is absolutely yes. Experiment with your own spins, and you’ll quickly see how versatile these bagels can be.
Serving Suggestions
Whenever I make these French toast bagels, I like to serve them with sides that round out the meal. Here are my favorites:
- Scrambled Eggs: Because you can never have too many eggs at breakfast, right?
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Balance out the sweet flavors with a bowl of sliced seasonal fruit.
- Hash Browns or Home Fries: If you want a more savory side dish, try these crispy potatoes.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a refreshing contrast to the warm bagels.
And if you’re looking for more ways to wow your family or friends at brunch, I’d absolutely recommend checking out Blueberry Brunch for a burst of berry-filled joy. Trust me, your taste buds will be very, very happy.
Storage and Reheating Tips
I’ve had folks ask me whether you can make these French toast bagels ahead of time. In my busy house, we often have to do a bit of meal prep to keep everything on track. The good news is that French toast bagels actually store pretty well:
- Refrigerator: Place any leftovers in a sealed container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They’ll last for about 2–3 days.
- Freezer: If you want to save them for longer, pop them into a freezer-safe bag (date it if you’re super organized!), and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat with a dab of butter, or pop them in the toaster oven or air fryer. You can also microwave them, but they won’t have the same crispness.
Bagel French Toast for Breakfast Sandwiches
One of my favorite ways to enjoy these bagels is by turning them into breakfast sandwiches. After cooking the custard-soaked bagels, I love to fill them with scrambled eggs, a slice of cheddar cheese, and maybe some crisp bacon or savory sausage. I call this my “fancy but not complicated” breakfast. It beats a drive-thru sandwich any day of the week.
Try adding a drizzle of hot sauce if you like a little kick. My husband is partial to a dash of sriracha, while I prefer a mild green chili sauce. If you’re in the mood for sweet and spicy, try a honey-sriracha blend. It’s heavenly, trust me.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a French toast bagel?
A French toast bagel is a bagel that’s been dipped in a sweet egg-and-milk custard, then cooked on a griddle or skillet until golden. It gives you the taste of classic French toast but with the chewy texture of a bagel.
How do you make French toast bagels at home?
You’ll slice your bagels in half, prepare an egg custard (eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla), dip each bagel half in the mixture, and then cook them on a buttered skillet until golden on each side.
Can you use any type of bagel for French toast bagels?
Yes! Plain, cinnamon-raisin, or whole wheat all work well. Just keep in mind that thicker, denser bagels might need a shorter soak in the custard to avoid getting soggy.
What toppings go well with French toast bagels?
Sweet toppings like maple syrup, fruit, whipped cream, or cinnamon-sugar are popular choices. Savory combinations like melted cheese, avocado, or bacon are also delicious.
Are French toast bagels suitable for breakfast sandwiches?
Absolutely. After cooking, you can add scrambled eggs, cheese, and other fillings of your choice for a hearty breakfast sandwich.
Conclusion
From the first morning I experimented with these French toast bagels, I knew they would become a favorite in our home. They’re fun, they’re versatile, and they bring the best of both worlds—bagels and French toast—together in one tasty dish. I love how the gentle sweetness pairs with so many different toppings, from savory cheeses to fruit and syrup. And if you’re in the mood for more bread-based delights, be sure to also check out Sourdough French Toast: A Cozy Brunch Tradition or surprise the family with something a little different like Hawaiian Roll French Toast.
Try whipping up a batch this weekend. I promise, once you see how easy and delicious they are, you might have trouble going back to regular old bagels or toast. Let me know if you give these a go! Feel free to drop a comment and share your favorite toppings or creative breakfast sandwich combos. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even come up with a brand-new variation we can all try next.
Happy cooking—and even happier breakfasting, friends!